Watch CoCo Vandeweghe Get Interviewed During A Grand Slam Match By ESPN! [Video]

by Tom Gainey | September 1st, 2015, 1:33 pm
  • 27 Comments

In a new initiative this year at the US Open, players can elect to be interviewed by DURING matches by broadcaster ESPN.

The network which has full rights to the US Open for the first time, took advantage of the new option yesterday by interviewing CoCo Vandeweghe after she had won the first set over fellow American Sloane Stephens.


ESPN’s Pam Shriver didn’t break Vandeweghe’s momentum as she went on to win the match.

Players must agree beforehand to the post-set interview. No word on which players today have opted to allow the interview.

“ESPN approached me yesterday regarding if I was open to the idea,” Vandeweghe said. “They explained it to me that Pam would come out — actually Pam explained it to me herself. She would come out and ask me two questions. It would be in between sets. If I didn’t want her out there I could just wave her away at any point in time. I could say it two seconds before I walked out on the court. I gave her the nod to go ahead, and then it happened.”

Later, Serena Williams was asked about it.

“I think it’s great for some viewers,” Serena said. “Get in the mind of the athletes. But I also think it — you know, for me, I’m really focused the whole time. I’m really trying to think about what I want to do. I don’t necessarily want to answer questions about anything. I just want to be in that moment and kind of focused. That’s kind of the integrity of tennis when you think about it. It’s just you on the court. It’s not a reporter. It’s not a coach. It’s just you in that moment. I kind of love that. It’s the only sport where you have that.”


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27 Comments for Watch CoCo Vandeweghe Get Interviewed During A Grand Slam Match By ESPN! [Video]

RZ Says:

I wouldn’t agree to this. I’d find it distracting (even though Coco didn’t). Also think it’s disrespectful to the person who lost the first set.


Margot Says:

@RZ
Completely agree. Horribly intrusive. Truly the mass media rule the world.


Gypsy Gal Says:

RZ/Margot couldnt agree with you both more….


Markus Says:

Whose stupid idea was that? Serena makes a lot of sense.


courbon Says:

Imagine Andy Castle strolling in Wimbledon asking Fed-
You just one first set! Do you think, at your age, you can get two more?
(Federer looses his cool and punch him in a face )

Great idea-can wait for cheerleaders on tennis court soon…


Gypsy Gal Says:

Courbon lol cheerleaders with pom poms like they do at football matches,two,four,six,eight who do we appreciate Feeedddeeerrreeerrr?


Markus Says:

i’m sure the players willing to be interviewed are those who have no chance in hell to win the tournament. Example: Coco van de Something.


courbon Says:

GG-That is funny. And guy dressed as Bear or Goffy… and Waterboy, so dear Rafa gets plenty of water.


courbon Says:

Markus, if CoCo wins this, you will be remained of this posts forever…


Gypsy Gal Says:

Courbon lol bear and Goffy,and waterboy,funniest thing was two spectators dressed in sumo wrestler suits beating each other up at a football match….


courbon Says:

GG-Is that for real (sumo guts )?


courbon Says:

Guys not guts


Gypsy Gal Says:

Markus and Courbon your both making me laugh….


Markus Says:

Hahaha, Courbon. I feel really safe.

Now, Gasquet is so stupid. Kkkk was hardly moving yet still won his serve easily.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Courbon true,i saw it at a Leeds UTD v Man UTD match once at half time,the Leeds one was beating the f*ck out of the Man UTD one,but us northerners are as hard as nails….


Markus Says:

How stupid are these tennis officials? KKKK cannot move and yet the don”t stop the match!


Markus Says:

Whatever happened to the time violation?


courbon Says:

Markus, I think you are safe. (-:
Is something wrong with KKKK-injury? ( can not watch US Open at the moment )

GG- Not surprised-it can happen only in the North….
but that sounds really funnys


Gypsy Gal Says:

Markus Laura Robson actually got one today….


RZ Says:

@Courbon – QuadK was cramping. Ended up retiring in 5th set. Shame as he was up 2 sets to one before they kicked in.


RZ Says:

Another notable match retirement today: Gulbis. I guess I won’t be staying up to watch Ernie on the late night shows after all.


courbon Says:

Thank you RZ for info


Markus Says:

That time violation rule should be discarded because its promulgation is so inconsistent. Tennis officiating in general is very lackadaisical.


RZ Says:

@Markus – rather than get rid of it, I’d prefer to see them introduce a countdown clock or just simply force the umps to be consistent about it.


jane Says:

now this is a distraction! ugh.


Gypsy Gal Says:

Im going away in the morning folks so ill miss much of the USO,enjoy the matches and may the best man/woman win,take care all,over and out for now,and speak to you all soon …. :-)….


RZ Says:

Enjoy your trip GG

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